Isn’t every morning exciting? Each day when I wake up, I think, What is today going to hold? I CAN’T WAIT to find out!!! But I didn’t always feel that way. I was in a troubled relationship, I was moving yet again, and I faced an unexpected surgery. Life’s not perfect now, but it sure seems close. What psyches up life for me nowadays, you wonder? Let me explain:

Heart disease runs in my family; I’m a marked woman. My father passed way from a sudden heart attack at age 65, as his father did before him at age 39. My brother had a heart attack at age 36. My uncle had a routine surgery recently and was one of the minuscule percentage who had complications; he almost died on the operating table. High blood pressure & heart disease are my family’s “Normal” setting. Even though I rarely get sick or visit doctors and am on no medications, when it was apparent that I needed a hysterectomy, I knew it was a distinct possibility that I would not survive it – routine or not. I was prepared; I said my goodbyes before the anesthesiologist arrived.

Imagine my surprise when I woke up on a table being wheeled to a recovery room! I remember being moved to a bed, and thinking, I made it! The surprises continued when I discovered the relationship I was in had ended while I was in surgery. Recovery definitely had its challenges. BUT – BUT – BUT!!! I was alive. I’d been given another chance to live! My physical issues had been resolved, and the wounds incurred during their resolution would heal – just like they would emotionally. I was all moved in and my environment was peaceful. I spent weeks resting and thinking…healing…and looking forward to a totally new future, with all the painful elements eliminated. Friends and family called, texted, emailed, and visited to reassure me that I wasn’t alone. I’ve since found another church home and solidified friendships, and made plans for where I am headed personally and through Dance With Janet – which are pretty close to one and the same. I’m spending the rest of my life doing what I love with those I love; life doesn’t get any more exciting than that!

And so I ask: What about YOU? If you are not right where you want to be in your life right now, what’s stopping you? Moreover, how about just saying to yourself, I am just going to MOVE in the direction I want to go, and deal with whatever is in my way as I blast through it!?! We only get one life to live, and it’s up to us to make it what we want it to be. Resources are out there for whatever you want, and you will find them when you look for them. As the saying goes: The teacher appears when the student is ready. Are you ready??

Let’s ALL get psyched up for life!!! Here, watch this video from SCROOGE to help you out!

Visit the Upcoming Events page of my website for a full list of where to Dance With Janet. I host 3 dances per week, so you have plenty of opportunities!

The “brain cramper” intermediate line dance lessons BEFORE the dances on Tuesday have resumed. I’ll be teaching ASKIN’ QUESTIONS 1/31, and LEVELS on 2/7 & 2/14.

Have you “LIKED” my Dance With Janet Facebook page, along with the OVER 17,000 fans who have? Pop on over to www.facebook.com/dancewithjanet and click the “LIKE” button to keep up on what’s new! All the photos from dances are posted to my Facebook page, as well as the PHOTOS tab of my website

The BEGINNER DROP-IN CLASS at the Izaak Walton Center (899 Jay Street in Elgin, $7) has resumed and will meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month

I teach 15 classes per week; we are in the middle of the current session. The next six-week session of classes begins the week of February 27th, after we return from the #dancewithjanetcruise. Choose your level and your location at www.dancewithjanet.com/teachingschedule

Are you digging my purple dance boots like I am?
Dance boots and other dance shoes by SwayD are super comfortable and can be found HERE

Click HERE for dance socks that go over your current shoes so you can turn better

LOOKING FOR BOOTS?

Check out Alcala's Western Wear in Chicago. You may even get the chance to dance with the sales associate who is helping you.

Are You A Fan Of Lynn Card's Dances? Feel Free To Visit Line Dance With Lynn For More Dances That She Has Choreographed!

Line Dancing at The Holmstad Retirement Community in Batavia

"I am so happy we all dance together. You have given me an opportunity to do something I love. I will be forever in debt to you for that! I feel happy when I am dancing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you again for all you do!!!"

Barb H.

"Have such fun in your class. You really do set the tone.. You are always upbeat, with a smile, and make it fun for all of us no matter how many left feet we have. Thanks for making this a welcoming, energetic, community experience." -Joan C.

"The way you teach is so clear and concise that any dancer would be comfortable learning from you!"

-Susanna H.

"I couldn't be happier with your lessons/parties in Warrenville + your website is A++++...I'll continue to come to the Warrenville dance parties since I love that venue and can learn the lessons that are taught." -Mary F.

"You have created such a wonderful community within the dance world - thanks for welcoming me - and everybody - with such warmth and enthusiasm. Great attitudes within a community start at the top and your kindness and openness make it easy for everyone to ‘play well together’ and be super supportive of each other." -Carol H.

"Thank you Janet...you're the best and I too am enjoying this new adventure of taking dance lessons. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I am truly blessed in many ways having you as our instructor." -Darlene H.

"You are fabulous. Keep up the good work." -Susan S.

"Met you at the Cadillac Ranch. Love your classes. Thanks!"

-Lisajoy Y.

"You are a gift to anyone you meet. Your joy of dancing is your ministry - thank you for sharing it so fearlessly!" -Nancy A.

"Thanks for being such a great teacher and for the support that you give me throughout the year! I really enjoy working with you!"